Henritze key to dominant season

The women's volleyball team is out for an Ivy League title. Despite a pair of unexpected conference losses, the Tigers (19-2 overall, 9-2 Ivy League) have picked up momentum in the last few games and stand only a half-game out of first place. During the course of the season, the team has learned how to play as a cohesive unit, and more importantly, the team has learned to transform its solidarity into wins.

Amid a particularly young group of players, sophomore outside hitter Parker Henritze has proven she's not just a standout player but also one of the team's great leaders.

Henritze earned last year's Ivy League Rookie of the Year honors. Last week, she was named Ivy League Player of the Week, and she has also been named to multiple All- Tournament teams. When approached about the accolades she has received, however Henritze remains modest and attributes her success to a strong Tiger team.

"It's such a team sport," Henritze said. "Because of statistics, it sometimes seems that hitters get all of the glory. But a hitter can't play well without everyone. I am the product of our defense and setter."

Young team works well

Above all, Henritze remains confident about her solid and reliable team. The Tigers have a unique team; more than half of its players are underclassman. The latter has worked to Princeton's advantage.

Over the past year, the sophomores have learned to understand each other's style on the court. Adding five outstanding freshman recruits to an already strong team, the Tigers have been working since the preseason on their group dynamics and on-court cooperation.

While off the court Henritze remains calm and poised, on the court she is a powerful force to be reckoned with, often leading the charge after a temporary setback.

Overall, Henritze averages 4.42 kills per game. She is second only to sophomore outside hitter Lindsay Ensign, who averages 4.55. In conference games, however, Henritze is the team leader with 4.97 kills per game.

Faced with honors or praise, she again references her reliable teammates.

"Our depth is a lot better than last year. In our games, I have confidence in Lindsay Ensign and know that our other hitters [can] cause serious damage."

With three games left in the season, the Tigers remain confident and focused. Their next two games are against Columbia (7-14, 1-10) and Cornell (16-8, 10-2). While, Princeton has already faced and defeated both the Lions and the Big Red, they dropped a game to both teams on their home court. These next two matches will create more of a challenge, as they will be played away.

"Our game against Columbia will be sort of a revenge match," Henritze said. "Last year, we lost to them away. If we play our own game we should be alright."

Big Red in way of title

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Cornell, however, might present a different story. With the Orange and Black and the Big Red having almost identical league records, this match will likely determine the Ivy League champion. Henritze remains optimistic about her team's chances.

"Cornell is a hard game away, but we are as prepared as we've ever been."

Princeton has not yet lost a game on their home court. The next two games will require extra focus as jeering fans and hungry players will try to break the Tigers' winning streak.

"Our two losses were critical for team solidarity because so many girls contribute good rhythm," Henritze said. "We have a lot of momentum coming out of last weekend's games. We played consistently and had major team contributions."

So what does Henritze think about her team's chances for a league title?

"I think our chances are very good for a title. Unlike last year where we had to count on other teams losing to team X or beating team Y, this year it is in our hands and under our control."